Ville Platte-- The Evangeline Parish School Board, Wednesday called for a special meeting on Wednesday May 25 at 6:00pm to address the $2.7 million dollar budget shortfall. It will be the only item on the special meeting agenda.

The board’s executive committee last week received a detailed report from Superintendent Toni Hamlin and school supervisors on the state of the system’s finances as well as some general recommendations.

The budget deficit is blamed on: increases in retirement, increases in hospitalization, rising fuel costs, loss of revenues in such programs as National Board Certified Teachers, Non Public Transportation and the Minimum Foundation Program Growth Factor .

At Wednesday’s meeting, School Board Business Manager Amy LaFleur reported more bad news that the school district can expect an additional loss of $500,000 in entitlement funding from such programs as Title One, Title Two and Pre- School..

In addition, sales tax revenues for the second straight month dropped by $64,800 for the month of April as compared to the same period a year ago. The year to date figures show sales taxes has decreased by $109,445 over the same period a year earlier.

The school board approved a motion to activate its reduction in force policy out of necessity.

During last week’s executive committee meeting, Superintendent Hamlin and her staff presented some recommendations to the committee for review to address the budget deficit.

The school board is reviewing proposals to save on transportation, textbooks, substitute teacher , teacher allocation, travel , elimination of Writing to Read Labs, meal price increases, a four day work week and incentive pay for retirement.

In her comments to the school board, Wednesday, Superintendent Hamlin said “We are working hard to try to find the $2.7 million dollars. “ She said the school district has not been hit as hard financially as some neighboring school districts where they are facing anywhere from 10 to 69 million dollars in budget deficits.

Due to the financial situation the school district is facing, the school board agreed not to hire part time works during the summer months this year.

Sign up today
and join our free Loyal Listener E Club and qualify to win exclusive contests and stay updated in what is going on at Oldies 92-5 KVPI.

The Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum operated by the City of Ville Platte is open to the public every Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Come view the amazing artifacts, photos, records, Wall of Fame and hear the music. Admission charge is $3 adults, $2 seniors and $1 for children under 12. The museum is located on Northwest Railroad Avenue.